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Blue Devil of the Week: Duke's Alumnae Advocate

Victoria Bright, once a volunteer and undergrad, leads Duke women alums

Victoria Bright of Duke Alumni Affairs. Photo by Christina Holder.
Victoria Bright of Duke Alumni Affairs. Photo by Christina Holder.

Victoria Bright

Assistant Director, Alumnae Engagement, Duke Alumni Affairs

Four years as an undergraduate, going on two years as an employee

What I do at Duke:

I lead global alumnae engagement for Duke. My job is to engage Duke women in the life of the university and create opportunities for learning, leadership and mentorship.  A big part of my job is working with the main regional alumnae program - Women's Forum. Women’s Forums create formal programming like panels and speakers as well as informal programming like socials and tours for alumnae. They operate in 20 major cities, and 230 volunteers make it all possible. I have traveled to 18 cities since I started working for Alumni Affairs.

What I love about Duke:

It's just cool to be back in Durham. Everything has changed. I love Durham. I love our office at American Tobacco Campus. This is literally my dream job.

A memorable day at work:

I just came back from the Women's Forum Summit in DC. It's the largest program we've done for women outside of campus– a half-day conference with 260 attendees. Everyone was so energized and thankful that Duke had brought this program to DC. I was really touched by it. My boss asked, ‘aren't you exhausted?’ I said, ‘no, I'm energized.’  It reminds you why you do what you do. That's why I love traveling because you get to go out and see the impact you're having on alums.

Something unique about my office:

We are very team oriented. I couldn't do what I do without my regional team. Collaboration is encouraged. We had our staff meeting yesterday, and the first half is just kudos. It's people talking about who has impacted their work or gone above and beyond. It's really important.

First ever job:

My first job was at Cold Stone Creamery near Southpoint Mall in Durham. Funny story: when I was working there and I was first accepted to Duke, a Duke couple came in to get ice cream and told me how cool Duke was. They suggested I attend Project Build, which was a pre-orientation program. All my friends are ‘builders’ now.

Best advice ever received:

‘You are your best advocate.’ It was something I learned on Capitol Hill when I worked for Nancy Pelosi, the first female Speaker of the House of Representatives. A lot of programs I work with are about teaching women confidence and skills of leadership, so I'm big on owning and taking credit for your own good work.

Something most people don’t know about me:

I'm 6-feet-2-inches tall, and I have never played basketball or sports.

Fun Fact: What is correct grammar when referring to alumni?

People get it confused all the time. Our communications director has had to send out reminders.

Alumnus: singular person of any sex

Alumni: plural, group of mixed alums

Alumna: singular woman alum

Alumnae (pronounced alum-nee): group of women alums

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